The future of Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates has been thrown into doubt once more after Barcelona's club president openly admitted his club "loves" the Arsenal midfielder.

The European champions have been continually linked with Fabregas for most of the summer, to the public irritation of Arsene Wenger. And the Gunners boss will doubtless be furious at the remarks made by Nou Camp figurehead Joan Laporta this weekend.

"It is not a secret that we love this player," declared Laporta, "he is a Catalan player from our youth team. We know he is one of the flagship players at Arsenal and we respect him.”

Fabregas began his career as a trainee at Barcelona, before signing for Arsenal in 2003 at the age of 16.

“He came through our youth team with seven players who played in the Champions League final: Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergi Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi,” added Laporta.

Wenger recently vented his fury at Barca's pursuit of his midfielder, accusing them of a lack of respect and being bad for the game. But Laporta's apology is unlikely to appease the Arsenal manager.

"I apologise if I bothered Mr Wenger, because I respect his job very much," said Laporta. "But he knows perfectly that the case of Cesc Fabregas is special."

Fabregas missed Saturday's controversial 2-1 defeat at Manchester United with a hamstring injury.

For his part, Fabregas has made no secret of his desire to return to Catalonia one day, to play for the club now managed by his boyhood idol, Pep Guardiola.

"If Pep asked me then I would return," he said, recently. "He was my hero and that's why I wear No 4, his number."

In October 2006, the Spanish midfielder signed a new deal tying him to the Emirates until 2014, but in January 2010, he will be free to be buy out the last four years of his contract.